Electrical guessing game having control means for selectively causing action of action object means



Dec. 28, 1965 A. E. GOLDFARB 3,225,121

ELECTRICAL GUESSING GAME HAVING CONTROL MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY GAUSING ACTION OF ACTION OBJECT MEANS Filed June 10, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet l 7 0 GOA 720A I NVENTOR.

47702/VEV Dec. 28, 1965 A. E. GOLDFARB 3,226,121 ELECTRICAL GUESSING GAME HAVING CONTROL MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY CAUSING ACTION OF ACTION OBJECT MEANS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 10, 1963 INVENTOR.

BY W 4r7v2/v5y VII/III. 'III 401.....-

Dec. 28, 1965 A E. GOLDFARB 3,226,121

ELECTRICAL GUESSING GAME HAVING CONTROL MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY CAUSING ACTION OF ACTION OBJECT MEANS 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 10, 1963 OFAPB United States Patent 3,226,121 ELECTRICAL GUESSING GAME HAVING CON- TROL MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY CAUSING ACTION OF ACTION OBJECT MEANS Adolph E. Goldfarb, 7427 Vania St., North Hollywood, Calif. Filed June 10, 1963, Ser. No. 286,609 7 Claims. (Cl. 273--86) The present invention relates in general to apparatus for playing a competitive game, and more particularly to such apparatus which includes control means for selectively causing action of an object or other action means.

Adults as well as children are fond of competitive devices which permit them to test their skill as well as luck against another player or opponent. Many people like such competitive games to involve action and excitement as well as a certain element of surprise or unexpectedness.

While numerous games of the prior art tend to fall into one of the two categories, i.e., games of skill on the one hand and games of chance on the other, few of the prior devices provide a sufficient balance between the two to provide an exciting and interesting activity as well as testing the skill and dexterity of the players.

It is a prime object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved apparatus for the play of competitive games or exercises.

It is the further object of the present invention to provide a unique and improved control means for such game apparatus.

A further object is to provide such game apparatus which includes an improved action object.

Still another object is to provide such game apparatus which is simple, relatively economical and compact, yet at the same time is effective in operation and durable even under rough treatment by small children.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious from the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of game equipment for playing a competitive turtle racing game, which game equipment embodies apparatus illustrative of the present invention, including an action object and control means for such illustrative apparatus;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view (with parts broken away to reveal details of construction) of a reversible turtle figure which comprises the action object of the game equipment shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view (with a portion broken away) of parts of the control means of the illustrated game equipment, this view being taken generally along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view (with portions broken away) taken generally along line 4-4 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a schematic drawing of the electrical circuit of the illustrated game equipment;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken generally along line 66 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of modified game equipment which embodies apparatus illustrative of the present invention;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the game equipment shown in FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of another modified game equipment.

Briefly, the illustrated game equipment 16 includes an action object in the form of a reversibly movable turtle figure 12 and control means 14 for causing the illustrated figure 12 to move.

The illustrated control means 14 includes a pair of Patented Dec. 28, 1965 control actuating means 15, each of which is operable by one of two players or opponents. Each control actuating means 15 includes a control actuating part 16 which is movable to at least two different operative positions. The control means 14 is so constructed and arranged that the turtle figure 12 will move when both control actuating parts 16 are in an operative position. However, the direction of movement of the figure 12 for any given operative position of one of the movable control actuating parts 16 will vary depending upon the operative position of the other control actuating part 16 and vice versa.

The player-opponent-operators try to out-guess one another, each trying to make the turtle figure 12 move in a particular direction or toward a particular goal, such as the illustrated goal 18. The elements of chance and excitement are combined with skill and agility. The turtle figure 12 may go in one of at least two different ways when a player places his control actuating part 16 in an operative position. His opponent can change the figures direction of movement with his own control actuation part 16 if the initial player maintains his original operative position too long.

The illustrated turtle figure 12 includes an elongated wheeled part 20 which is formed with an element 22 and 24 at either end to simulate the appearance of a turtle head. Mounted on the part 29 for limited movement relative to the part 20 longitudinally thereof is a shell or case 26 that simulates the appearance of a turtle shell. The case or shell 26 has a pair of opposed openings or apertures 28 and 30 so positioned that one turtle head may protrude from an opening while the other head is concealed within the shell 26, and vice versa. Thus, when the turtle figure 12 moves in one direction the forwardly disposed turtle head 22 will protrude through the forwardly disposed opening 28, and the other head 24 will be substantially concealed, while when the figure 12 moves in the opposite direction, the head 22 which had been protruding becomes concealed, and the other head 24, which is now disposed forwardly, protrudes in the direction of movement through opening 30.

Also, the control means 14 of the illustrated equipment is constructed simply and economically, yet in such a way as to endure rough treatment and give long use.

Now to consider the illustrated structure in further detail.

The illustrated game equipment 10 is designed for operation upon a generally flat supporting surface which is designated 32 in FIGURE 1 of the drawings.

As seen best in FIGURES 1 and 2, the action object of the illustrated game equipment 10 takes the form of the turtle figure of animate character designated 12. The illustrated turtle figure 12 includes the elongated first or wheel part 20 and the shell, second or upper part 26 which is supported upon the first or elongated part 20.

The illustrated elongated wheeled part 20 includes a generally rectangular hollow housing 34 upon which a small electrical motor 36 is mounted. The motor 36 is disposed adjacent one end of the housing 34. Intermediate the length of the housing 34 a transversely extending shaft or axle 38 is rotatably mounted. The ends of the axle or shaft 38 extend outwardly on either side of the housing 34 and a wheel 40 is fixed to each end of the shaft 38. These wheels 40 serve to support the elongated part 20 upon the supporting surface 32 for movement there along.

In the illustrated structures a gear train 42 is supported within the housing 34 for rotation of the various gears. The gear train 42, which is made up of gears 43 through 46 inclusive, is disposed between the shaft of the motor 36 and the axle 38. In particular, gear 43 is fixed to the shaft of the motor 36 While gear 46 is fixed to the axle 38; gears 44 and 45 are operatively disposed between the gears 43 and 46. The gear train 42 serves to reduce the speed of rotation from the rapidly rotating shaft of the motor 36 to the axle 38 to produce the desired speed of movement of the illustrated turtle figure 12 along the supporting surface 32.

Each end of the illustrated elongated wheeled part 28 is provided by an end part or element which is secured to one end of the housing 34. Each end part or element 22 and 24 is in the form of a turtle head. Each of the turtle heads 22 and 24 rotatably supports a small wheel 48 that is adapted to roll along the supporting surface 32 and assist in supporting and balancing the elongated Wheel part 20.

Mounted at spaced positions upon the upper surface of the housing 34 are a pair of upwardly extending internally threaded cylindrical bosses 50. The bosses 50 are adapted to movably support the shell 26 as will be described below more fully.

The shell or case 26 is a generally bell or cup shaped hollow structure which is externally formed and decorated to simulate the appearance of a turtle shell. The shell 26 is preferably constructed of a lightweight yet durable material such as certain plastics or metals. The illustrated shell 26 is disposed with its open end downwardly and it includes portions 52 which simulate the appearance of turtle feet.

The illustrated shell 26 is provided with the pair of opposed apertures or openings 28 and 30 adjacent the lower edge of the shell. The shell 26 is disposed over the elongated part 20 with the apertures 28 and 30 in line with the elongated part 20. The elongated part 20 and the shell 26 are so proportioned and arranged that one turtle head may protrude through one of the apertures while the other head is substantially concealed within the shell 26.

In the illustrated figure 12, an elongated slotted plate 54 is supported inside the shell 26 and lies in a generally horizontal plane. The plate 4 is disposed so as to extend generally between the apertures 28 and 30. The plate 54 may be mounted within the shell 26 as by means of projections 56. I11 the illustrated structure a pair of projections 56 at each end of plate 54 are secured to the inner wall of the shell 26 and thus serve to secure the plate 54 in proper location. The plate 54 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 58 which terminates a short distance from either end of the plate 54.

The plate 54, the shell 26 and the elongated part 20 including its wheels 40 and its bosses 50 are so constructed and proportioned that when the parts are assembled, the plate 54 is located generally atop the bosses 50 and the shell 26 is disposed with its lower edge generally adjacent the supporting surface 32.

When the parts of the illustrated figure 12 are assembled, a pair of threaded screws 60, each with an enlarged head, pass through the slots 58 and are threaded into the bosses 58. The enlarged heads are thus disposed over plate 54 and the turtle shell or second part 26 is thus secured to the elongated movable or first part 20. The screws 60 may, of course, move a certain distance within the slot 58, thus providing limited relative longitudinal movement between the shell 26 and the elongated part 20. The shell 26 of the illustrated structure is provided with a pair of rotatably mounted wheels 61, one wheel being disposed preferably at either side of the shell.

As seen best in FIGURE 2, a pair of electrical leads 62 are connected to the motor 36, pass through an aperture 64 in the center of the shell 26, and connect to the external portion of the control means.

The illustrated goal 18 is a generally U-shaped part which is normally positioned upright upon the supporting surface 32 upon its downwardly extending legs. The intermediate portion thus provides an elevated bar. The goals may be decorated in any desired manner such as for example, by use of flags as illustrated in FIGURE 1. The intermediate part of the goal 18 has the word Finish written upon its surface which faces upwardly when the goal is upright. When the turtle figure 12 is successfully motivated to engage one of the elevated intermediate parts or bars to overturn a goal 18, the word Winner, which is presented on the normally underside of the intermediate part, then becomes visible (as shown in broken line in FIGURE 1).

The illustrated control means 14 includes a hollow housing 68 which provides a control board 70 for the control actuating means 15 of each player. The illustrated housing 68 is open at the bottom and has a generally horizontal top wall which slopes downwardly at a slight angle at either side to provide the pair of opposed control boards 78. A shield 72 is provided for each control board 70 to prevent the opponent from seeing the position of the control actuating means 15 on that board.

The illustrated housing 68 and the structure which it encloses are shown in detail in FIGURES 3 and 4. Each control board '70 is provided with a pair of transversely spaced apart apertures or openings 74. The control actuating means 15 for each player is disposed at the players control board 70. The movable control actuating part 16 of each control actuating means 15 is provided in the illustrated structure by an elongated bar or beam 76a and 76b that is pivotally mounted intermediate its end in a generally horizontal extending position within the housing 68. Since the bars or beams 76a and 76b are essentially the same, one being mounted at each end of the housing 68, only beam 7612 will be described in detail. As seen best in FIGURE 3, the beam 76b is pivotally mounted to a projection 78 which extends downwardly from the upper wall of the housing 68 into the interior of that housing. The illustrated beam extends generally transversely below the pair of apertures 74 in the associated control board 70. A cylindrically shaped button or pin 80 is secured at either end of the beam 76b and extends upwardly therefrom. The buttons 80 are located along the beam 76b so as to be disposed immediately below the apertures '74 and extend upwardly through those apertures. Thus, a generally teeter-totter type arrangement is provided at either side of the control housing 68 with a pair of manually operable control buttons or pins 819 being presented at each control board 70. It will be observed that a player may press one or the other of his but-tons 80 at a given time, but it is, of course, not possible to depress both buttons at any given instant.

In the illustrated control means 14, the means for imparting action to the figure 12 comprises an electrical circuit that includes a circuit sheet 82 that is mounted within the housing 68 below its upper wall. The circuit sheet 82 includes apertures 84 to permit the buttons 80 to pass upwardly through them. The illustrated circuit sheet 82 is as best seen in FIGURE 6, comprised of a first layer of non-electrically conductive material 86 which is coated or provided with a layer 88 upon its underside of electrically conducted material. The layer of electrically conducted material 88 is severed along lines 89 to create electrically separate sections 91. By electrically connectlng or disconnecting various of these sections 91 the desired circuitry may be achieved. Thus, a very simple and economical electrical circuit is provided for the illustrated structure.

The illustrated electrical circuit also includes electrical contacts or connection means that are provided by small elongated strips or fingers 90 of flexible, resilient electrically conductive material such as, for example, brass or copper. As shown in FIGURE 6 of the drawings, a finger 90 is secured at one of its ends to the circuit sheet 82 on the side of the electrically conductive layer 88. The finger 90 is formed to position its free end spaced away from the sheet 82. The finger 90 is secured to the sheet so as to extend over a sever line 89 to an adjacent electrical section 91. To complete the electrical connection between the two electrical sections 91 to which the finger is secured and over which it extends, it is only necessary to urge the free end of the finger 90 back against the adjacent electrically conductive layer 88 of the circuit sheet 82.

In the illustrated structure, the electrical contacts are provided by placing fingers 90 adjacent the ends of the beams 76a and 76b. The fingers 90 are secured to the underside of the circuit sheet 82 (which is the side of the electrical conductive layer 88), and the upward movement of the ends of the beams 76a and 76b engage the fingers 90 to urge them upwardly against the circuit sheet 82 to complete the various electrical contacts or connections. Beams 76a and 76b are maintained in generally horizontally extending positions, which are electrically neutral, by the spring tension of the fingers 90.

The electrical circuitry of the illustrated structure is shown schematically in FIGURE 5 of the drawings. The electrical contacts or connections which may be achieved are designated A, B, (1-1, C2, D-1 and D-2 and are indicated by broken lines. The transverse beam 76a may be tilted to create either contact A or contact B (but as noted above it cannot create both contact A and contact B). The transverse beam 76b when tilted in one direction will create both contacts C-1 and C-2, while when it is tilted in the other direction it will produce contacts D-1 and D2.

Considering FIGURE 3, the transverse beam 76b is shown in a generally horizontal position which is electrically neutral or open in that neither end of the beam is engaging a finger 90 on the circuit sheet 82 disposed above it and thus the electrical contacts or connections are open. When the button 80 at the left hand side of the control panel 70 (as viewed in FIGURE 3) is depressed, the opposite end of the beam 76b will be caused to raise and engage the two fingers 90 disposed above it. This will establish contacts designated D1 and D-Z. At the same time it will be noted that contacts C-1 and (1-2 are now open. To close contacts C-1 and C-2 and to open cont-acts D-1 and D2, the player merely presses down on the opposite button, which in this case is the right hand button as viewed in FIGURE 3.

The illustrated motor 36 is connected at one side directly to one side of both contacts A and B. The other side of the illustrated motor is connected to a pair of power sources )2 and 94. These power sources 92 and 94 are connected so as to present reverse polarity relative to the motor 36; thus, when the circuit is completed to connect the motor to one power source the motor will turn in one direction while when the circuit is completed to connect the motor to the other power source, the motor will operate in the opposite direction. The power sources 92 and 4 of the illustrated apparatus are provided by batteries removably supported within the housing 68 (FIG, 3).

Thus, in general when the two beams 76 are each positioned in one of their tilted operative positions, one of several possible electrical circuits will be completed, the motor 36 will rotate in one direction and the turtle figure 12 will be motivated to move in one direction. The forwardly disposed turtle head will extend from its associated opening in the shell. In the illustrated control means 14, if either of the transverse beams 76 is now changed to its other operative position, the motor 36 will reverse and the turtle figure 12 will proceed in the opposite direction with the opposite head poking out and leading the way. However, if both transverse beams 76 should be changed the turtle figure 12 would continue in its original direction. Thus, the players-opponents will try to outguess .and out maneuver one another so as to make the turtle move, incident to their manipulation of their particular controls, toward their own finish line or goal. When the turtle figure 12 engages one of the goals 18 and overturns it, as shown in broken line in FIGURE 1, the word Winner is thus shown. The

6 turtle figure may then be placed back intermediate the two goals and the game repeated.

With reference to the particular electrical connections, it may be seen that when beam 76b creates contacts C-1 and C-2, while beam 76a creates contact A, the motor will be connected through contacts A and C-l to the power source 94.

With beam 76a remaining in position to create contact A, but with beam 76b reversed so as to create contacts D1 and D2, the motor is connected through contacts A and D-l to power source 92. Thus the direction of rotation of the motor is reversed even though the player operating beam 76a has not changed his position.

Now with beam 76b still creating contacts D-1 and D-2, the beam 76a may be changed to create contact B. This will again reverse the motor by connecting it through contacts B and D-2 to power source 94.

Then to complete the cycle, with beam 76a creating contact B, beam 76b may be changed to create contacts C1 and C2 and the motor will again reverse. In this case the motor will be connected through B and C-2 to power source 92.

FIGURES 7 and 8 illustrate horse race game apparatus which includes action means in the form of a pair of wheeled horse figures 112 and control means 114 for causing one or the other of the horse figures 112 to move.

The illustrated control means 114 is similar to control means 14 in that a reversible motor 136 is made to operate in one direction or the other by control actuating means 115, each of which control actuating means is operated by one of the players or opponents.

In the illustrated horse race game apparatus 110, how ever, one or the other of the horse figures 112 is moved by transmission means 102 toward the finish line, depending upon which way the motor 136 is operating. Thus, each player has an action object and the race is to a common finish line.

More particularly, in the illustrated apparatus 110, each wheeled horse figure 112 is secured at its front to an elongated cord or cable 104 which, as shown in FIG. 8, has its other end wound about a reel 106. The reversible motor 136 is connected to the reels 106 through transmission mechanism 107 in such a manner that operation of the motor 136 in one direction causes one reel 106 (but not the other) to rotate to move its associated horse figure 112 toward the finish line, while operation of the motor 136 in the opposite direction causes the other reel 106 (but not the first) to move its associated horse fig ure toward the finish line.

The control actuating means 115 of the control apparatus 114 are manipulated by the players as with the illustrated game apparatus 10 to selectively cause rotation of the motor 136 in one direction or the other.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, when one of the horse figures 112 reaches the finish line it engages a projection 108. This causes the raising of a flag 109, as shown in full line in FIG. 7, to signify the winner of the race.

FIGURE 9 illustrates a modified horse race game apparatus 210 which includes a pair of horse figures 212 which are selectively caused to move, by control actuating means 215 of control apparatus 214, toward a goal 218. Instead of causing one motor and several power sources -to operate the motor in opposite directions, the illustrated apparatus 210 is constructed to cause one or the other of two motors 236 to be operated by a single power source. Each motor 236 drives one of the wheeled horse figures 212 toward the goal 218.

Thus, highly exciting and amusing action games are provided which test the imagination, dexterity and agility of the players. The illustrated structures are economical to produce and simple in construction so as to keep malfunctioning and repair needs to a minimum. The structures further are durable and rugged for use by small children.

Obviously various modifications and changes may be made in the illustrated structures Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following are merely illustrative or by way of example of possible modifications. The control means may be adapted to more than two players and the number of operative positions for the controls actuating means of each player may be increased. Obviously, also the action object or action means may be varied to comprise other figures, vehicles or other items adapted not only to move along in various directions but to perform other forms of action. Further, the action may be translated directly to a score board or scoring means.

Various features of the present invention are set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for at least two participants to play a competitive game, said apparatus comprising control means that include at least two control actuating means, each control actuating means being for use by one of the participants, each control being adapted to be placed in at least two operative positions, and a movable action object operatively connected to said control means and adapted to be caused to move over a supporting surface by said control means, said movable action object including an elongated first part having an element at either end thereof, said first pant being adapted to move longitudinally thereof along the supporting surface, drive means operatively connected to said first part and adapted to move said first part in either direction, a second part supported on said first part, said second part having a pair of opposed apertures and being supported relative to said first part so that each of said apertures is positioned adjacent one of said elements at the end of said elongated first part, and connection means between said first and said second parts to permit limited relative movement therebetween longitudinally of said elongated first part, said first and second parts being so constructed and arranged that movement of said first part in one direction causes the element at the forward-most end thereof to be exposed through the adjacent aperture in said second part and at the same time causes the element at the other end of said first part to be substantially concealed, while movement of said first part in the opposite direction will cause said other element to be exposed through the adjacent aperture in said second part and at the same time will cause said first element to be substantially concealed, said control means being operatively connected to said drive means so as to cause movement of said object only when both of said control actuating means are in opera-tive positions, said control means and action object being so constructed and arranged that movement in either direction may be imparted to said object for a given operative position of one of said control actuating means dependent upon the operative position of the other of said control actuating means, and movement in either direction may be imparted to said object for a given operative position of said other of said control actuating means dependent upon the operative position of said one of said control actuating means.

2. Apparatus for the play of a competitive game by at least two players, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a frame,

(b) a pair of control actuating parts each movably mounted on said frame, one of said control actuating parts being adapted for operation by one of the two competing players, each of said movable control actuating parts being movable into at least two different operative positions,

(c) action of object means capable of providing at least two different actions, said action object means including motor means for providing said actions by moving said object means over a supporting surface,

(d) means operatively connecting said motor means to said movable control actuating parts for imparting movement to said object means when both of said parts are in an operative position, said control actuating parts, connecting means, and motor means being so constructed and arranged that more than one movement may be imparted to said action object means for a given operative position of one of said movable control actuating parts dependent upon the operative position of the other of said movable parts, and more than one movement may be imparted to said object means for a given operative position of said other of said movable control actuating parts dependent upon the operative position of said one of said movable control actuating parts.

3. Apparatus as called for in claim 2 wherein said action object means comprises a pair of action objects each capable of providing at least one action, each of said action object-s including a motor means for providing said actions by moving the associated action object over a supporting surface.

4. Apparatus as called for in claim 2 wherein said action object means comprises a pair of movable action objects, each of said movable action objects having a forward end; wherein said motor means comprises a reversible motor and wherein said connecting means comprises an elongated pull cord secured at one end to the forward end of each of said movable action objects, a winding reel secured to the other end of each of said elongated pull cords and adapted to rotate to wind its asociated cord about itself and thereby move the associated movable action object toward its associated reel, transmission means operatively connected between said reversible motor and said reels so as to operate only one reel when said motor operates in one direction and to operate only the other reel when said motor operates in the other direction, and circuit means operatively connected between said movable control actuating parts and said reversible motor to operate said motor when both of said movable control actuating parts are in an operative position, said movable control actuating parts, said connecting means and said reversible motor being so constructed and arranged that operation of the motor in more than one direction may be achieved for a given operative position of one of said movable control actuating parts dependent upon the operative position of the other of said movable control actuating parts, and more than one direction of operation may be achieved for said motor for a given operative position of the other of said movable control actuating parts dependent upon the operative position of said one of said movable control actuating parts.

5. Control apparatus as called for in claim 2 also including shield means disposed on said frame adjacent to said movable control actuating parts to substantially conceal the position of each of said movable par-ts from the player operating the other movable control actuating part.

6. Apparatus for the play of a competitive game by at least two participants, said apparatus comprising: a housing, a pair of control actuating parts movably mounted within said housing, each of said movable parts comprising an elongated beam pivoted intermediate its ends to said housing to provide a teeter-totter arrangement, an upwardly extending manually operable button disposed at either end of said pivoted beams, said housing being provided with apertures disposed above said buttons to permit said buttons to extend upwardly therethr-ough, shield means disposed upon said housing adjacent said apertures to substantially conceal the position of the buttons protruding through said apertures from the sight of the participant that operates the other movable control actuating part, action object means having electric motor means capable of imparting at least two different actions to said action object means, means between said action object means and said movable control actuating parts for imparting action to said object means when both of said parts are in an operative position, said action imparting means comprising an electrical circuit that includes electrical connections means provided Within said housing adjacent either end of each of said movable control actuating parts and adapted to be opened and closed by virtue of movement of said adjacent end of said elongated beam relative thereto, and power supply means connected to said connections means and said electric motor means for energizing said motor means to cause action by said object means, said control actuating parts, electrical circuit, and means being so constructed and arranged that more than one action may be imparted to said object means for a given operative position of one of said movable control actuating parts dependent upon the operative position of the other of said movable parts, and more than one action may be imparted to said object means for a given operative position of said other said movable parts, dependent upon the operative position of said one of said movable parts.

7. Apparatus as called for in claim 6, wherein said electrical circuit includes a printed circuit sheet comprising an electrically nonconductive layer secured to an electrically conductive layer, said electrically conductive layer being separated into a plurality of electrically separate areas, and said electrical connection means are 25 adapted to electrically connect said electrically separate areas, said electrical connection means comprising flexible, resilient, elongated tabs of electrically conductive material, each of said tabs being secured adjacent one end to one electrically separate area its free end extending away from the surface of said printed circuit sheet, over an adjacent electrically separate area, and adjacent an end of said elongated beam, whereby the movement of one of said elongated beams by engagement of said manually operable buttons thereon causes the opposite end of said elongated beam to urge adjacent free ends of said tabs against said other electrically separate area to complete selective electrical oonnections.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,665,910 1/1954 Hutchins 273-88 2,679,712 6/ 1954 Schwien et a1. 46-244 2,723,492 11/ 1955 Muller 46-244 2,811,359 10/1957 Haufe 273-430 2,844,374 7/ 1958 French "LL: 273-1 2,994,531 8/ 1961 Eberwein 273-1 RICHARD C. PINKHAM, Primary Examiner.

DELBERT B. LOWE, Examiner. 

2. APPARATUS FOR THE PLAY OF A COMPETITIVE GAME BY AT LEAST TWO PLAYERS, SAID APPARATUS COMRPISING: (A) A FRAME, (B) A PAIR OF CONTROL ACTUATING PARTS EACH MOVABLY MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME; ONE OF SAID CONTROL ACTUATING PARTS BEING ADAPTED FOR OPERATION BY ONE OF THE TWO COMPETING PLAYERS, EACH OF SAID MOVABLE CONTROL ACTUATING PARTS BEING MOVABLE INTO AT LEAST TWO DIFFERENT OPERATIVE POSITIONS, (C) ACTION OF OBJECT MEANS CAPABLE OF PROVIDING AT LEAST TWO DIFFERNET ACTIONS, SAID ACTION OBJECT MEANS INCLUDING MOTOR MENS FOR PROVIDING SAID ACTIONS BY MOVING SAID OBJECT MEANS OVER A SUPPORTING SURFACE, (D) MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTING SAID MOTOR MEANS TO SAID MOVABLE CONTROL ACTUATING PARTS FOR IMPARTING MOVEMENT TO SAID OBJECT MEANS WHEN BOTH OF SAID PARTS ARE IN AN OPERATIVE POSITION, SAID CONTROL ACTUATING PARTS, CONNECTING MEANS, AND MOTOR MEANS BEING SO CONTRUCTED AN ARRANGED THAT MORE THAN ONE MOVEMENT MAY BE IMAPRTED TO SAID MORE THAN MEANS FOR A GIVEN OPERTIVE POSITION OF ONE OF SAID MOVABLE CONTROL ACUTATING PARTS DEPENDENT UPON THE OPERATIVE POSITION OF THE OTHER OF SAID MOVABLE PARTS, AND MORE THAN ONE MOVEMENT MAY BE IMPARTED TO SAID OBJECT MEAND FOR A GIVEN OPERATIVE POSITION OF SAID OTHER OF SAID MOVABLE CONTROL ACTUATING PARTS DEPENDENT UPON THE OPERATIVE POSITION OF SAID ONE OF SAID MOVABLE CONTROL ACTUATING PARTS. 